What makes a defeat a first-class embarrassment? What is worse than losing at home against an opponent considered inferior on paper? Simple — just add non-existent football and an overall shameful performance to the mix.
Milan vs Bologna is one of those classic matches where almost nothing works, with a team incapable of managing the game and completely lacking in character.
First Half: defensive errors and a rollercoaster of goals
The opening was marked by significant defensive errors on both sides. Musah loses the ball close to the penalty area, and Bologna delivers a cross that Mbangula taps in, thanks to a collective defensive lapse. A similar mistake on the other end, with Theate gifting the ball to Cisse, who equalises from close range.
The match then settles down — for the next 15 minutes the pace drops and chances become increasingly rare. Until Tomori wins the ball, beating Theate for pace and crossing for Cisse to tap home easily.
Milan use the momentum to try to push the tempo. But it is only a slight improvement over what had been seen around the two Rossoneri goals. The only chance created is a shot from Jashari that goes wide. For the rest, the home side, despite pressing and trying to push forward, fail to be dangerous. They do manage to limit Bologna’s play, who are unable to enter the penalty area for the remainder of the first half. The half-time score reads 2-1 to Milan.
Second Half: the disaster unfolds
After the restart, Milan simply aren’t there. Neither side creates clear-cut chances, but Palladino‘s side hold the ball more and make more incursions into the box. The collapse happens within 2 minutes: first an unfortunate own goal by Diawara, then a second goal from Mbangula following yet another defensive nap by Milan, handing Bologna the lead.
The script calls for a reaction from Amorim‘s side, but the truth is that the home team don’t seem to know how to attack. No player attempts an individual dribble or tries to break through the centre. When play reaches the flanks, no one manages to deliver a quality cross.
The match drags on, but chances simply don’t come. Milan’s attempts are copy-paste actions — ineffective crosses sent into the box. One of them just about reaches the head of Camarda, who is unable to direct it on target. The match ends with Mbangula’s hat-trick, sealing a humiliating 2-4 scoreline. Once again, Milan’s defence is nowhere to be found.
Conclusion: January intervention needed
This damaging defeat is not the result of clear inferiority to the opponent. Milan will get nowhere until something is done about the disastrous tactical and technical shortcomings that plague the Rossoneri squad. We shall see whether action will be taken in January, or whether those in charge will simply look the other way.
